JP6388682B2 - Method and system for editing and reporting graphic programming language objects - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to process control systems within process plants, and more specifically to editing and reporting tools for designing process control entities associated with a process plant.

  Process control systems are widely used in factories and / or factories with product manufacturing or process control (eg, chemical product manufacturing, power plant control, etc.). The process control system is also used for mining natural resources such as oil and gas excavation and storage processes. In practice, it is possible to automate virtually any manufacturing process or resource mining process by using one or more process control systems. It is also believed that process control systems will be used in the future for agricultural applications as well or more widely.

Process control systems, such as those used in chemical processing, petroleum refining or other processing steps, are typically at least one host or operator work via an analog, digital or analog / digital mixed bus. It includes one or more centralized or distributed process controllers (process control elements) communicatively coupled to the station and process control and instrumentation equipment such as one or more field devices. Field devices (eg, valves, valve positioners, switches, transmitters, and sensors (eg, temperature, pressure, and flow sensors)) perform functions within the process control system, such as opening and closing valves and measuring process parameters. The process controller receives a signal indicating a process survey or process variable generated by or associated with the field device, and / or other information about the field device, and uses this information to implement a control routine, In order to control the operation of the process, a control signal transmitted to the field device through one or more buses is generated. In general, information from field devices and controllers is made available to one or more applications executed by an operator workstation so that the operator can display the current status of the process and modify and modify the process operation. Thus, it becomes possible to execute a desired function relating to the process.

  Various devices in the process plant may be interconnected as physical and / or logical groups to form logical processes such as control loops. Similarly, a control loop may be interconnected to another control loop and / or device to create a subunit. The subunit may be further interconnected with other subunits to create a unit, and then the units may be interconnected to create an area. Generally, a process factory includes interconnected areas, and a business organization includes interconnected process factories. Thus, a process plant may include a number of hierarchical levels of various assets that are interconnected, and an enterprise may include a plurality of process plants that are interconnected. That is, assets related to the process factory or the process factory itself may be grouped to form a higher level asset.

  Skillfully planning, designing and executing a project related to a process factory or process control system starts from the conceptual stage of the process factory or process control system and includes all stages from the start of operation to its operation. It is a complicated process. During project engineering technology and design design, including process design and factory design, instrumentation and control equipment selection, control system selection, control system engineering design, installation, installation, and line setup Technical details covering all the contents are summarized. These technical details are captured in various databases and integrated into a common configuration system. Then, using such a configuration system, a project implementation method and a process control method configuration (configuration / setting) are generated, and a report report for communicating with end users including customers is generated. . In addition, report documents are often generated by standardized document management tools such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Portable Document Format (PDF), Microsoft Word (registered trademark), Microsoft Visio (registered trademark). The

The process of configuring the configuration of the distributed process control system includes, for example, I / O related to process control (OPC) integration, control method, batch, object linking and embedding (OLE), history, display screen, etc. Many aspects are involved, but are not limited to these. The configuration system, and its underlying database, provide tools and infrastructure for constructing project integration solutions for process control systems. For example, configuration systems such as DeltaV (registered trademark) sold by Fisher-Rosemount Systems Inc. (Austin, Texas), USA, and Fisher Rosemount Systems, Inc. Explorer, Control Studio
, Recipe Studio, Graphics Studio and User Man
Use ager to configure all process control methods, display screens, I / O, alarm enforcement methods, history and events, users, user roles, and all other aspects of the process control system of the process control system it can. Such a mechanism works well (although not always) when the configuration system is built into a central database.

  To achieve the entire configuration process, you may need to apply more than the configuration system design can handle, for example, I / O definitions, equipment specifications, equipment unit requirements, and others. This information may be specified and configured using tools and databases provided separately from the configuration system. Using this information to configure a configuration system seems very straightforward and simple, but the configuration database may use a format that cannot be read by other design tools. There are many. These databases are typically the most preferred tools for project teams, such as Microsoft Excel (registered trademark), Microsoft Word (registered trademark), SQL, and Microsoft Visio (registered trademark), which are frequently used throughout the project life cycle. It cannot be read by the application. In addition, not all project team members have installed configuration system software, and project teams are often offline using commonly available tools. I prefer to carry out work on the job. In fact, using these tools makes it easier to exchange data with others involved in the project and to exchange data with end users, but after preparing the data offline, You need to import data into the configuration system. Also, when data is modified and changed within the configuration system or by another offline database, the offline database needs to be updated with the changed data.

  In addition, project managers, such as consulting specifications and creating related documents, can ensure that hardware and software can meet the needs of end users when designing hardware and software. Spend considerable time and money on the work. In addition, after the design is approved, steps such as hardware and software implementation, testing, and documentation of related documents are performed. However, if the technique / means for transferring the configuration details needs to be transferred to the configuration system, the configuration system may transfer the configuration details from one format format to another. It may be required to provide an interface and tools for converting to and transferring configuration details between offline databases. For this reason, by standardizing objects, it is possible to provide a well-known data model when communicating with other teams involved in the project, resulting in a clear definition of what data is needed and when. Project tool development is simplified. In addition, standardizing objects makes it easier for project teams to quickly detect bad or incomplete data and therefore reject them when needed. In addition, in the continuous control layer (eg, loop, motor, valve, equipment module, etc.), standardized objects are provided, and at the same time, for example, the batch layer (phase, operation, procedure, etc.) It is standardized.

  The present invention seeks to provide a method and system for editing graphic programming language objects to design process control entities in an offline database.

  An editing and reporting tool is provided for editing graphic programming language objects for designing process control entities in an offline database. This tool allows the user to select data related to the programming language object from a library in which each fragment of the programming language object is stored. Each piece of the programming language object is provided as a boilerplate template for programming logic routines of process control entities such as steps, transitions, actions (individual actions / actions) or other parts of program code. The Using each piece of programming language object, a user may construct a graphic programming language object, such as an object for a sequential function chart (SFC), from each piece of programming language object. The editing and reporting tool also provides a user with the ability to select a representation of the programming language object fragment and present each fragment of the selected programming language object in the graphic programming language object interface display screen. (GUI) may be provided. The parameters of each fragment of the programming language object can be modified and the interconnection between each fragment of the programming language object may be established when constructing the graphic programming language object. The constructed graphic programming language object may be stored as a configuration file in a format used by the offline database. The reporting tool maps the format format used by the offline database to the format format used by the configuration database and populates the report document with the data of the configuration file. (Here, the report document is in a different format than that used by the offline database.) In addition, the editing / reporting tool provides the user with the ability to edit each piece of multiple programming language objects simultaneously. To do.

Editing and reporting tools provide engineering and design productivity tools that can use a variety of formatting formats, and allow users to standardize and create each piece of programming language object (and thus reusable) And a programming language object fragment shared library and user interface that allow each fragment of other programming language objects to be combined to create a composite fragment of the programming language object. In addition, the user can store pieces of programming language objects such as actions, steps and transitions, so that local programming language object pieces can be edited while editing topological classes, SFC composites or other graphic programming language objects. -The library can be reused. A library of programming language object fragments may be stored in a code library master that delivers a copy of the library to another offline database with editing and reporting tools. The user may use a local offline database, such as an SQL database, to store the library, or even use XML as a transport mechanism for communicating project data with the configuration system. Good.

  In addition, the editing and reporting tool allows the same SQL database to be shared by different project groups and allows the user to configure free-formatted documents and storage templates. In order to generate a report document from an off-line database as a representation of the algorithm of the graphic programming language object, the editing and reporting tool may automatically populate the document and template. By converting between the offline database format format and the configuration database format format, users can utilize only one type of object contained in the offline database to create any type of object on the configuration system. But you will be able to work.

  Therefore, as a matter of course, the use of configuration tools improves the engineering and design productivity throughout the project life cycle. For example, the editing and reporting tool allows a user to edit a topological class or SFC composite without connecting to a node with configuration system software and store the edited data in a local offline database. It becomes possible. The user makes a choice to use an editing and reporting tool, so that when the SFC composite, topological class, or other graphic programming language object is completed, the data from the local offline database is transferred to the configuration database. The configuration database may be synchronized with the local graphics programming language data by exporting to a file format that can be read (such as FHX) and then importing the configuration database data.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a method for editing a graphic programming language object to design a process control entity in an offline database, each of which is in a central configuration database. One or more programming from a library of programming language object fragments, including one of a plurality of communicatively coupled databases, each programming language object fragment including a programming logic routine of a process control entity Providing a user with the ability to select data related to a language object fragment and displaying one or more selected programming language object fragments in a graphic programming language interface Provides users with the ability to display in the interface display screen and to construct graphic programming language objects for process control entities from one or more selected programming language object fragments in the graphic programming language interface display screen And storing the constructed graphic programming language object as a configuration file.

  Another aspect of the invention is an editing and reporting system used in designing a process control entity with a graphic programming language object, wherein each programming language object fragment includes a programming logic routine for the process control entity. A database employed to store a plurality of programming language object fragments characterized by: and graphic programming for a process control entity stored on a computer readable memory from one or more programming language object fragments It consists of a screen display application that is adopted to run on the processor to create a display screen for constructing the language object. A stencil display field having a plurality of graphics representing different programming language object fragments, and a screen display application allows a user to depict different programming language object fragments from within the stencil display field A graphic programming language object display field in which a programming language object fragment can be specified for inclusion in the graphic programming language object and to present a description of the programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field; including.

  Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for editing and reporting a graphic programming language object used in designing a process control entity, each comprising a plurality of programming language logic routines for the process control entity. Storing a programming language object fragment in a database, displaying a stencil display field containing a description of a plurality of programming language object fragments of a plurality of programming language object fragments, and associated with a graphic programming language object to be configured Provide the user with the ability to display the graphic programming language object display field and graphic from the depiction of multiple programming language object fragments displayed in the stencil display field Selecting one to be included in the programming language object, presenting the programming language object fragment associated with the depiction of the selected programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field, and selecting the selected programming language. Providing a user with the function of constructing a graphic programming language object using language object fragments, and storing the constructed graphic programming language object.

It is the schematic of the process factory which shows the Example of the hierarchical structure of the installation implemented in a process factory, and an instruction | indication. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an architecture of an editing and reporting tool for designing process control entities within a process plant. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an editing / reporting system for constructing graphic programming language objects. FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the editing / reporting system of FIG. 3 in more detail. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a format format for storing each fragment of a programming language object in an offline database. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a graphical user interface that may be used to construct a graphic programming language object.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the process plant 10 includes a plurality of business systems and other computers interconnected with a plurality of control systems and maintenance systems via one or more communication networks. -The system is included. The process plant 10 also includes one or more process control systems 12 and 14. Operators connected to controller 12B and input / output (I / O) card 12C (connected to various field devices such as analog and HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transmitter) field device 15) A conventional process control system may be used for the process control system 12, such as a PROVOX or RS3 system or other DCS that includes an interface 12 A. The process control system 14 may be a distributed process control system, It includes one or more operator interfaces 14A coupled to one or more distributed controllers 14B via a bus, such as an Ethernet bus. The roller 14B can be, for example, a DeltaV® controller sold by Fisher Rosemount Systems, Inc. (Austin, Texas), or any other desired type of controller. One or more field devices 16 (eg, HART or Fieldbus field devices, or other field devices such as smart or non-smart field devices using any of PROFIBUS, WORLDIP, Device-Net, AS interface and CAN protocol) As is well known, the field device 16 is analog or digital to the controller 14B related to process variables as well as other device information. The operator interface 14A stores and provides tools that can be used by the process control operator to control the operation of the process (eg, control optimizer, diagnostic expert, neural net, tuner, etc.). May be executed.

  In addition, maintenance systems such as AMS applications such as AMS Device Manager sold by Fisher Rosemount Systems, Inc. or any other equipment monitoring and communication application perform maintenance and monitoring activities. In order to do so, it may be connected to the process control systems 12 and 14 or individual devices therein. For example, the maintenance computer 18 is connected to the controller 12B and / or field device 15 via any desired communication line or network (including wireless or portable device networks) to communicate with the field device 15 and possibly field. Other maintenance activities performed on the device 15 may be reconfigured or performed. Similarly, in order to execute maintenance and monitoring functions such as data collection related to the operating state of the field device 16, a maintenance application such as an AMS application is used as one related to the distributed process control system 14. Alternatively, it may be installed on and executed by a plurality of operator interfaces 14A.

  In addition, the process plant 10 may be via a permanent or temporary communication link (for example, a bus, wireless communication system or portable device that is connected to the facility 21 to read data and is removable after the data is read). Various rotating devices 20 such as a turbine and a motor connected to the maintenance computer 22 are included. The maintenance computer 22 is an RBMware (registered trademark) sold by US CSi Systems (Knoxville, TN), an AMS Machinery Manager sold by the US Fisher Rosemount Systems, or the operation of the rotating device 20 It may be stored in and executed by a well-known monitoring and diagnostic application 23, including any other well-known application that can be used to analyze, monitor and optimize the condition. Typically, maintenance personnel need to use the application 23 to maintain and monitor the performance of the rotating equipment 20 in the factory 10 to determine problems with the rotating equipment 20 and to repair or replace the rotating equipment 20. When it is determined that it is necessary, it is determined when it should be carried out.

  Similarly, the power generation / power distribution system 24 having the power generation and power distribution facility 25 associated with the process factory 10 is connected to another computer 26 that executes the power generation / power distribution facility 25 in the process factory 10 and monitors its operation. For example, they are connected via a bus. In the computer 26, in order to control and maintain the power generation / power distribution facility 25, for example, a well-known power supply control / diagnostic application 27 provided by Liberts, ASCO, or other companies may be executed.

  The computer system 30 is a computer associated with various functional systems within the process plant 10 including maintenance functions and business operations functions such as those implemented in the process control functions 12 and 14, computers 18, 14A, 22 and 26. The interface is communicably connected. More specifically, the computer system 30 includes a conventional process control system 12, a maintenance interface 18 associated with the process control system, and a process control and / or maintenance operator associated with the distributed process control system 14. The interface 14A, the rotating equipment maintenance management computer 22, and the power generation / power distribution computer 26 are communicably connected via a bus 32. Bus 32 may use any desired or suitable local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) protocol provided to enable communication. As shown in FIG. 1, the computer system 30 is also connected to a business system computer and maintenance plan computers 35 and 36 via the same or different network bus 32. In addition, the computer system 30 is connected to not only the computer system 40 that enables remote monitoring or communication with the process plant 10 from a remote location, for example, via the bus 32, but also to the whole plant level LAN 37 and the corporate WAN 38. May be. Alternatively or additionally, computer system 30, process control system 12, distributed process control system 14, maintenance interface 18, process control and / or maintenance operator interface 14A The rotating equipment maintenance management computer 22 and / or the power generation / power distribution computer 26 may be interconnected via the Internet and communicate via an Internet compatible protocol. Accordingly, functions for displaying and controlling various systems, computers, and routines within the process plant 10 are provided within the process plant 10 via one or more remote facilities for displaying and controlling.

  Furthermore, the remote monitoring facility may be communicatively coupled to the process plant 10 via the Internet to provide access to resources (support information / functions) for further analysis and diagnosis. In one embodiment, a failure prevention planning system that organizes assets in priority order according to their importance to a factory or to a system within the factory to provide critical data for analysis of various factory assets and a process factory. 10 may be connected.

  FIG. 2 illustrates an example architecture of an editing and reporting tool for designing process control entities within a process plant. Specifically, the editing / reporting tool performs engineering design of process control entities to select process control systems, to select instrumentation and control devices, for example, to create process control and factory designs Thus, it may be used to establish an installation of a process control entity, to equip a process control entity, and to launch a process control entity. As noted above, a process control entity can be any entity in a process control system or process control plant (e.g., equipment, loops, subunits, equipment units, areas, or the process factory itself, etc. (But not limited to). Of course, editing and reporting tools may be used to engineer virtually any project related to a process control system. In addition, the editing / reporting tool can be used to document virtually all aspects related to engineering and design of the process control system, as well as documentation and control configuration according to standard tools used by the end user (for example, I / O, control methods, batches, OPC integration, history, display screens, etc.) but used to generate report reports for communication with customers or other end users. May be.

  More specifically, DeltaV (registered trademark) sold by Fisher Rosemount Systems, Inc. (Austin, Texas), or tools and infrastructure for configuring an integrated solution for engineering and design of process control systems The results from the editing and reporting tool may be provided to a configuration system that includes any other configuration system that provides the structure and the underlying database and the like. Various configuration system tools such as Explorer, Control Studio, Recipe Studio, Graphics Studio, and User Manager related to DeltaV (R) sold by Fisher Rosemount Systems, Inc. (Austin, Texas), USA And applications may be used to configure overall control methods, display screens, I / O, alerting methods, history, events, users, user roles and any other elements in the system. Many of the configuration system tools and applications are located separately from the configuration system itself and may be distributed across various databases that are offline. In addition, tools and applications (including software for the configuration system) that are distributed in an off-line database separate from the configuration system and cannot be read by each other or by the configuration system as they are. It can be used by many users, including multiple engineering and design groups involved in process control projects. The editing / reporting tool allows users such as those described above to work in the database offline from the configuration system, thereby enabling the sequential / function / chart (SFC) used in the programmable logic controller (PLC). ), Etc., to provide a function for engineering and designing process control entities. As is well known, SFC is a language defined in the IEC61131-3 standard and specially defined in IEC848. In general, SFC utilizes program processes that are defined according to steps with associated actions and transitions with associated conditions. It should be noted that various blocks represent steps and actions, and (a plurality of) lines connecting the block (s) to each other represent transitions and conditions. However, it will be appreciated that other graphic programming languages may be used.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the editing and reporting tools include an editing tool 100 and a reporting tool 102, each of which is stored on a computer readable medium and executed by a processor, You may provide as an application which can perform the various functions relevant to it. The editing tool 100 and the reporting tool 102 are each operatively coupled to an offline database 104 used by engineers, designers, and other editing / reporting tool users. In one embodiment, the editing tool 100 and the reporting tool 102 may be provided in or executed by the offline database 104. The offline database 104 can be, for example, a relational database such as a structured query language (SQL) database that maintains and manages data in database tables. By using an SQL database, information can be searched and replaced across multiple offline databases 104, which can be particularly useful in the early stages of a project. In the later stages of the project, especially in the approval process, installation, startup, or changes can be made directly to the control system configuration.

  The offline database 104 includes a plurality of programming language object fragments 106, each of which can be a programming logic routine for a process control entity. The programming language object fragment 106 can be provided as a template of a programming logic routine even when no parameter value is set or when a default parameter value is set. That is, the programming language object fragment provides the basic structure of the programming logic routine. In particular, each of the programming language object fragments 106 may be a piece of program code that represents a piece or piece of configuration of a process control entity (such as individual steps, transitions and actions associated with process control). Further, the programming language object fragment 106 may include or be related to parameters, functional blocks, phases, operations, procedures, or other process control objects. In one embodiment described below, programming language object fragment 106 may be a composite of other programming language object fragments. As discussed below, the programming language object fragment 106 may be provided in a code library file stored in the master code library database and imported into the offline database 104.

  Furthermore, the offline database 104 may include graphic programming language objects 108 that allow a user to use and configure programming language object fragments 106. As will be discussed further below, graphic programming language objects 108, such as SFC objects, can be offline from other data sources, such as other offline databases that utilize editing and reporting tools, or from configuration systems. You may import into the database 104. Examples of graphic programming language objects include, but are not limited to, composite function blocks such as SFC composites and topological classes. Once the graphic programming language object is constructed using the editing tool 100, the reporting tool 102 converts the format format of the graphic programming language object into a format format readable by the configuration system, and the configuration system And a report document of a graphic programming language object in a standardized format readable by the end user. The configured graphic programming language object 110 is provided from the offline database 104 to the configuration system.

  An embodiment of the editing / reporting system is shown in FIG. Specifically, the system of FIG. 3 includes a code library master 120 that stores a copy of the programming language object fragment master library and a workstation 130 that implements the editing and reporting tool. . In one embodiment, the code library master 120 is stored in the configuration system to provide a code library file central storage and delivery center. Although only one workstation 130 is shown in the figure, it should be understood that a plurality of workstations 130 connected to the offline database 104 in a state in which each workstation is operable are shown. A system may be provided.

  The code library master 120 includes a code library database 122 in which code library files and code library tools for programming language object fragments are stored or operate. The code library file stores a list of actions, steps and transitions, or other programming language object fragments, and is usable by the editing tool 100 that makes up the graphic programming language object 110. The code library file may be provided by importing from a node of the configuration system. In one embodiment, code library file 124 is imported into code library database 122 in a format format associated with the configuration system. For example, the DeltaV (registered trademark) uses the FHX file format, and the file is stored with the FHX extension. The FHX code library file may be created using a process control method application for a configuration system, such as DeltaV® Control Studio. Specifically, the user creates a template of a programming language object fragment that is the basis of a code library file. The template can be modified by using the editing tool 100 to provide or modify parameters of the programming language object fragment. Thus, if each user at a different workstation 130 uses the editing tool 100 to configure a graphic programming language object, the programming language object fragment can be reused and configured.

  The user may create a new composite block in the process control method software for the configuration system and create multiple actions for the process control method. For example, one step for a process control valve may include actions such as opening the valve, closing the valve, starting the motor, stopping the motor, releasing the interlock, or other actions that allow the process control valve to operate. Good. When the action creation is complete, the block can be saved. The resulting code library file stores programming language object fragments that provide templates indicating the elements of the process control entity steps, actions, transitions or other graphic programming language objects. The code library file is provided in a configuration system format (eg, FHX). A user may export a block of synthetic template nodes contained in a configuration system library using a configuration system navigation application, such as DeltaV® Explorer. The configuration system stores the format of the code library file in the configuration system, for example, as an FHX file.

  The code library master 120 stores the code library file 124 in the code library database 122 and exports the code library file 126 to the offline database 104 in a format readable by the offline database 104. . For example, the code library file 126 may be provided in an extensible markup language schema such as XML. Specifically, the code library master 120 maps the code language file fragment 124 by mapping programming language object fragment data between schemas in the configuration database format format and the offline database format format. The format format of the configuration database may be converted to the format format of the offline database. For example, the format format of the FHX file is read, the format parameter is mapped to the format / parameter of the XML format format, and the programming language object fragment data is input into the data field of the XML file in accordance with this map, thereby A data file may be generated.

  With the format format converter illustrated in FIG. 4, the user maps the offline database format format schema to the configuration database format format schema, and vice versa (configuration database format). Mapping the format schema to the offline database format schema is also possible. When mapping the format format schema of the offline database to the format format schema of the configuration database, one or more of the data elements or attributes of the format format schema of the offline database is the configuration database. Can be mapped to one or more data elements or attributes of the format schema. When the data items of the format format schema do not correspond one-to-one, the data mapping requires data manipulation in the middle. These intermediate data manipulations, for example, use data manipulation functions such as string concatenation, mathematical manipulation, number generation, etc. to process one or more offline database formatting schema data items, or It becomes possible to combine.

  When mapping between format schemas, each element of the required data in the configuration database format map is mapped to at least one corresponding data item in the offline database format schema. . Of course, some or all of the specific offline database format schema data items may not be used during mapping, and the configuration database format schema data items Not all (ie, data items that are not necessarily required) are mapped to data items in the offline database format schema. In addition, multiple data items in the offline database format format schema can be combined or manipulated into a single data item in the configuration database format format schema using the data manipulation functions described above. And map it to it.

  The workstation 130 receives the code library file 126 from the code library master 120 and codes it into an offline database 132 (which may be referred to as a local or offline configuration database 132) corresponding to the workstation 130. Store the library file 126. The workstation 130 maintains a local version (a version in the local system) of the code library file 126 in the code library database 134. When the user executes the editing tool 100, the workstation 130 creates an instance of the editing tool 100 and establishes communication with the code library master 120. More specifically, the workstation 130 establishes communication with the code library database 122 and synchronizes the local code library database 134 and the master code library database 122. The programming language tail object fragment is received from the code library master 120 and provided in the GUI of the editing tool 100 as a graphical representation of the programming language object fragment. Examples of the GUI will be described in detail later. While executing the editing tool 100, the workstation 130 may periodically communicate with the code library master 120 to make changes or updates to the code library file 126.

  In addition to loading the code library file 126 into the editing tool 100, the user can load the synthesis block configuration file into the editing tool 100. A composition block configuration file may relate to a composition block of a graphic programming language object created or modified on a configuration system or another workstation. The composite block configuration file may also relate to a composite block of a group of programming language object fragments stored as a composite programming language object fragment. In other words, the composite block is a composite of the step, action, transition, etc. of the process control entity such as the SFC composite as defined above, and can be modified and changed using the editing tool 100 in the subsequent process. It is. The editing tool 100 may instruct the user of a suitable graphics programming language configuration file 110 to read the synthesis block file into the editing tool 100. The configuration file 110 may be provided in a configuration system format and exported from a configuration database. The editing tool 100 reads the configuration file and changes the format format of the configuration file from the configuration system format format to a format format used by the offline database 104, such as an XML or SQL database format format. Convert. If the offline database 104 is an SQL database, the editing tool 100 creates tables suitable for types such as composites, parameters, steps, actions, transitions, connectors, text graphics, rectangular graphics, and line graphics. The The editing tool 100 inputs the data record obtained from the configuration file 110 into a table, and displays the synthesis block in the GUI of the editing tool 100, each corresponding linked or embedded composite, and a diagram of the synthesis block. , The parameters of the synthesis block, and the steps / transitions of the synthesis block.

  Alternatively, the user may read the phase class configuration file by a method similar to the case of the synthetic block file. As described above, the configuration file 110 may be provided in a configuration system format and exported from a configuration database. The editing tool 100 reads the configuration file and converts the configuration file from the configuration format of the configuration file to the format used by the offline database 104. If the offline database 104 is a SQL database, the phase, phase parameter, phase logic block, block parameter, step, action, transition, composite (linked or embedded), connector and text graphics A table suitable for such a type is created by the editing tool 100. The editing tool 100 inputs the data record obtained from the configuration file 110 into a table, and sets the phase class in the GUI of the editing tool 100, the corresponding phase logic block and the corresponding link or embedded block, the phase class. Display with phase logic module (PLM) and parameters.

  The workstation 130 communicates with the configuration database by sending and receiving graphic programming language configuration files 136. The workstation 130 also includes local versions of the editing tool 100 and the reporting tool 102. The editing tool 100 and the reporting tool 102 use the programming language object fragments from the code library file 126 to construct a graphic programming language object and the workstation 130 local code library database 134 and offline Communicate with the configuration database 132. The constructed graphic programming language object is stored in the configuration file 136 and exported to the configuration database. Also, other users can modify and modify the graphic programming language object in the configuration database or another workstation 130, so that the workstation 130 is disclosed above (configured using the editing tool 100). Modified graphic programming language objects (which may be possible synthesis blocks or topological classes) may be received from the configuration database. Further, the report document 138 may be generated by the reporting tool 102 corresponding to the constructed graphic programming language object.

  Examples of constructing graphic programming language objects include the creation of new composite blocks and the creation of new topological classes. In order to create a new synthesized block using the editing tool 100, the user creates a new file of the new synthesized block so that the editing tool 100 is in the workstation memory based on the default configuration of the synthesized block. A new synthetic block object (which may be provided as a programming language object fragment such as a synthetic programming language object fragment) may be created. The default configuration is presented in the editing tool 100 GUI. For example, the GUI may display the new composite block, the steps configured for the composite block, and the parameters of the composite block. In order to create a new phase class using the editing tool 100, the user creates a new file of the new phase class so that the editing tool 100 can create a new one in the workstation memory from a known default configuration. A topological class object may be newly created. The default configuration for the new phase class is presented in the editing tool 100 GUI. New phase with default phase logic blocks such as ABORT_LOGIC (logic abnormal end), FAILMONITOR (abnormal monitoring), HOLD_LOGIC (logical hold), RESTART LOGIC (logical restart), RUN_LOGIC (logical execution), STOP LOGIC (logical stop), etc. The class may be displayed on the GUI. The GUI may also display the phase logic phase logic module (PLM) and parameters.

  When the user saves a graphic programming language object, such as a synthesis block or topological class, created by the editing tool 100 or modified as a result of importing from the configuration database, the editing tool 100 is new. The off-line database 104 in which the created graphic programming language object or a modified version thereof is stored is updated. For modified and modified graphic programming language objects, the editing tool 100 copies changes to the graphic programming language objects from the offline database 104 to the configuration file 110, and the configuration file is formatted in the offline database. (For example, XML) to a configuration / database format (eg, FHX) and invalidate a configuration file previously read in the configuration database format (eg, FHX configuration file) override). For newly created graphic programming language objects, the editing tool 100 updates the offline database 104 with any new changes, copies the changes from the offline database 104 to the configuration file 110, and configures the configuration. Create a new configuration file in the database format (eg FHX).

  In addition to constructing graphic programming language objects, the editing tool 100 can modify and / or modify programming language object fragments from the code library file 126 and / or multiple from the code library file 126. By creating a synthetic programming language object fragment from a programming language object fragment, a new programming language object fragment can be newly created. Such newly created programming language object fragments may be added to the code library file 126 and back exported to the code library master 120 where a master copy of the code library file is stored. . Next, the code library master 120 may receive a plurality of other workstations 130 so that each workstation 130 and each corresponding technology or design group can obtain an updated copy of the code library file 126. The updated code library file contained therein can be delivered.

  A more detailed view of the system shown in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. A code library master 120 (which may be stored in another workstation) is shown including a code library database 122 (which may be, for example, a SQL database) of programming language object fragments. The code library master 120 further includes a code library tool 128 and a code library engine 129. As shown in FIG. 4, the code library engine 129 is used by the code library tool 128 that performs the format, mapping, and conversion, for example by converting between FHX and XML format formats. The code library engine 129 further includes a code library file generation and maintenance database generator and an XML generator for the code library database 122. The code library tool 128 also has the effect of facilitating the delivery and updating of the code library file 126 at various workstations 130.

  As described above, the workstation 130 receives the update information of the code library file 126 and stores the code library file 126 in the local code library database 134. Furthermore, as described above, the editing tool 100 may create a new programming language object fragment. (Note that the newly created programming language object fragment is stored in the local code library database 134 as an updated code library file.) The code library update monitor 144 is responsible for such new programming language object. The local code library database 134 may be monitored and the updated code library file 126 may be provided to the code library master 120 for fragments or for other updates to the code library file 126. Good.

  Workstation 130 also includes a local copy of code library tool 140 and a local copy of code library engine 142. The code library tool 140 may communicate with the code library database 122 of the code library master 120 (such as periodic communication for updating the code library file 126). Similar to the code library tool 128 of the code library master 120, the local code library tool 140 changes the format format of the configuration file 136 to the format format used by the workstation 130 and other configuration systems. The local code library engine 142 is used when converting the format format including conversion to and from the format used by. The local code library tool 140 also uses the local code library engine 142 to generate and maintain a code library file in the local code library database 134.

  As referenced above, each programming language object fragment is stored in a local code library database 134 (which can be an SQL database). Thus, of course, programming language object fragments can be stored in each SQL table. An example of the SQL table is shown in FIG. In particular, each table for a programming language object fragment includes a name, one or more field names, one or more field types associated with each field name, and an item description thereof. Details about SQL databases and database tables are well known and need not be discussed further here.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a user interface routine. The user interface routine provides a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with the editing tool 100 and the reporting tool 102, and can be used by the user in constructing graphic programming language objects for process control entities. It is. Next, the GUT will be described in more detail, but before that, the GUI includes one or more software routines that can be implemented using any suitable programming language and technique. Let me clarify here. Further, the software routines that make up the GUI may be stored and processed within a single processing station or unit, such as workstation 130, for example. Alternatively, the GUI software routines may be stored and executed in a distributed manner using a plurality of processing devices communicatively coupled to each other and to the offline database 104.

  Multiple linked graphic displays or pages are included in one or more pull-down menus that allow the user to navigate the page in the desired way to display and / or retrieve specific types of information It is preferred to implement the GUI using a well-known graphic window-based structure and appearance (although this is not necessarily a requirement). The functional characteristics and / or capabilities of the editing / reporting tools described here can be expressed, accessed, recalled, etc. through the corresponding page of the GUI, one or more display fields (views) or display screens (displays). Is. In addition, since the various display screens that make up the GUI are logically linked, the user can quickly and intuitively navigate the display screen to easily read and edit specific types of information. It becomes possible to access and / or call a specific function of the reporting tool.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the GUI includes the display of various display fields that are used to construct a graphic programming language object from one or more programming language object fragments. The GUI of the editing / reporting tool is provided as a stencil for creating and modifying the graphic programming language object of the process control entity. In particular, the user can configure various data objects of the configuration system, including composite blocks, phase classes, equipment module classes, and other objects through the GUI. In general, the editing / reporting tool and offline database 104 may include one type of graphic programming language object (more specifically, an SFC object or SFC module used to control a process control entity). Use only objects. In one embodiment, only database objects that can be recognized by the editing / reporting tool are programming language object fragments, such as templates for programming logic routines associated with topological classes or composites. The tool functionality can also be extended to include other library objects. In addition, by using one type of object, it is possible to provide a standardized format format to the configuration system in various editing / reporting tool versions distributed in various offline databases, and Each editing / reporting tool can be shared by the code library file delivered by the code library master 120.

  Examples of various display fields in the GUI include, but are not limited to, a stencil display field 202, a graphic programming language object display field 204, a hierarchy display field 206, a summary display field 208, and a parameter display field 210. The stencil display field 202 comprises a graphical interface for displaying items of a graphic programming language object, in particular, a display 212 of programming language object fragments that may be used to construct a graphic programming language object. As shown in FIG. 6, programming language object fragments may be arranged in response to various process control entities including valves, motors, loop controls, and the like. It should be noted that the process control entity herein has programming language object fragments associated with every item for composing graphic programming language objects for steps and actions, transitions or other process control entities. In one embodiment, the stencil display field 202 is provided as a drop-down menu or a set of menus, each of which is displayed in a state that can be expanded or folded by the user. In the stencil display column 202, each stencil can correspond to a different code library file or category of programming language object fragments, and the user can switch from one stencil to another stencil on the stencil display column 202. It becomes possible. For example, it is assumed that the user selects a stencil drop-down (which stores all read or defined stencils) from the stencil display field 202 and selects “motor”. In this case, the editing tool 100 displays the contents of the “motor” stencil having the motor category (ie, “start”, “stop”, “release interlock” actions) with the associated programming language object fragment, in the stencil display field 202. To display. For operations to switch to another stencil, the editing tool 100 displays the programming language object fragment associated with the valve when the user selects a different stencil (such as “valve”) from the drop-down menu.

  The user configures the graphic programming language object using the programming language object fragment displayed in the stencil display column 202 on the graphic programming language object display column 204. Specifically, by clicking on a depiction of the relevant programming language object fragment and dragging the depiction from the stencil display field 202 to the graphic programming language object display field 204, the user can select a step, action or Programming language object fragments such as transition items can be selected. Alternatively, the user may move the description of the programming language object fragment by dragging it from the stencil display column 202 to the summary display column 208 described later. The editing tool 100 displays a property dialog box (not shown) that prompts the user to enter the value of the relevant property (property property) of the selected programming language object fragment. If so, the user enters a numerical value for the properties of the programming language object fragment, and then the editing tool 100 displays the programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field 204. However, it should be noted here that a graphic programming language object already includes a step to construct a graphic programming language object using actions.

  As disclosed above, the user can use the editing tool 100 to create new programming language object fragments that can be delivered to all workstations. Fragments of programming language objects may be stored as stencils in the code library master 120. In particular, the stencil display field 202 may include an “add” option that can be selected by the user. The editing tool 100 creates a blank stencil in the stencil display field 202, and when the stencil drop-down list expands, a new stencil item (eg, a new programming language object fragment) is added with a default name. The user specifies the storage name of the newly created stencil and specifies the properties of the programming language object fragment of the new stencil. Then, the editing tool 100 stores the new stencil in the code library master 120. As described above, a plurality of programming language object fragments are added and stored together as a synthetic programming language object fragment. For each programming language object fragment within the synthetic programming language object fragment, a parameter value (either default or designated) may be added as described above. Alternatively, as will be described later, multiple programming language object fragments are simultaneously selected from the graphic programming language object display field 204 and stored as synthetic programming language object fragments (with or without default or specified properties). You may make it do.

  In one embodiment, the user can create a new action for a predetermined stencil on the stencil display field 202. For example, there is a new (blank) stencil named “Motor and Valve” that contains two stencil categories (ie, “Motor” and “Valve”), and a configuration block configuration format in the format format of the configuration database. The file may include a composite block having steps and actions such as “valve open”, “valve close”, “motor start”, “motor stop”, “interlock release”, and the like. The user reads the synthesis block configuration file (as provided) in the configuration database format format and displays a stencil view of the action descriptions such as “valve open” and “valve close” from the summary display field 208. Dragging is possible within the category of “valve” in the column 202. Thereafter, the editing tool 100 copies the actions and displays them under the “valve” category in the stencil display field 202. Similarly, the user drags action descriptions such as “motor start”, “motor stop”, and “interlock release” from the summary display field 208 to the “motor” category in the stencil display field 202, and then the editing tool 100. Copies the actions and displays them under the “motor” category in the stencil display field 202.

  In addition to creating new programming language object fragments, the user can also delete existing programming language object fragments. Specifically, the “delete” option may be included in the stencil display column 202, and the user may select the “delete” option after selecting the depiction of the desired programming language object fragment. The editing tool 100 may delete programming language object fragments from the local code library database 134 and may further delete programming language object fragments from the code library master 120.

  Furthermore, as an action that the user may perform by the stencil display column 202, the name of the programming language object fragment is changed by providing an option of “change object fragment name”, and “create a new category”. By creating a new category of programming language object fragments within a particular stencil by providing an option, by providing a “save” option with the ability to save all stencil changes to the code library master 102 Such as storing a new or modified stencil. Specific actions may be limited by a specific user who has the authority to delete or modify code library files from the code library master 120.

  The graphic programming language object display field 204 provides a graphical display of the graphic programming language object being constructed. Specifically, the graphic programming language object display field 204 provides a graphical representation of program code, such as control logic being developed for the process control entity, and constitutes a graphic programming language object for the process control entity. A main window used by the user may be provided. As is apparent from FIG. 6, the graphic programming language object display field 204 displays the graphic programming language object as a block or series of blocks that can be a composite block and / or topological class description of the graphic programming language object. Can provide. Here, each block contains various steps, transitions, actions, or other programming language object fragments that constitute the entire graphic programming language object of the process control entity. When the user selects a block from the graphic programming language object display field 204, the editing tool 100 displays all the available properties of the block in the parameter display field 210 and the summary display field 208 shows the steps and associated with the block. All transitions are displayed, and the main block in the hierarchy display field 206 is highlighted.

  The user can modify and change the properties of the graphic programming language object on the display field 204 of the graphic programming language object. For example, the user can modify the properties of the synthesis block or phase by selecting the “property” option, after which the editing tool 100 displays the “property” dialog box so that the user can You can set a new value for. The editing tool 100 saves the new value and closes the dialog box.

  The user also adds a programming language object fragment to the graphic programming language object by selecting a depiction of the programming language object fragment from the stencil display field 202 and then dragging them to the graphic programming language object display field 204. You can also Thereafter, the editing tool 100 displays a description of the added programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field 204. For example, to add a step item to a graphic programming language object, the user selects a depiction of the step item from the stencil display field 202 and drags the description to the display field 204 of the graphic programming language object. The editing tool 100 displays a property dialog box for the selected step item so that the user enters new values for the available properties of the step item in the box. In the graphic programming language object display field 204, the step item (represented by a block) is displayed at the position where the user has dragged and moved the description of the step item. Similarly, to add a transition item to a graphic programming language object, the user selects a representation of the transition item from the stencil display field 202 and drags the description to the graphic programming language object display field 204. The editing tool 100 displays a property dialog box for the selected transition item so that the user enters new values for the available properties of the transition item in the box. In the graphic programming language object display field 204, the transition item (which may be drawn in a cross shape) is displayed at a position where the user has dragged and moved the description of the transition item.

  By using the editing tool 100, the user can further establish a logical connection between the programming language object pieces of the graphic programming language object. In particular, the description of the programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field 204 may include a description showing various inputs and outputs of each item. The user can select an I / O point of a programming language object fragment and drag the GUI cursor to an I / O point of another programming language object fragment. The editing tool 100 can display a line connecting two programming language object fragments displayed in the graphic programming language object display field 204. If the connection between programming language object fragments created by the user is an invalid connection, the editing tool 100 may display an error message indicating that the action by the user is invalid. Examples of the invalid connection include, but are not limited to, connection between two input points, connection between two output points, connection between two step items, and connection between two transition items. .

  In addition, by copying an existing programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object and pasting the copied programming language object fragment to another position of the graphic programming language object, the programming language object fragment is It can also be added to a graphic programming language object. Specifically, the user selects a depiction of a programming language object fragment, selects a “copy” option, and the selected programming language object fragment is copied. Thereafter, when the user selects the “Paste” option, the editing tool 100 displays a description of the copied programming language object in the graphic programming language object display field 204.

  The properties of each programming language object fragment displayed in the graphic programming language object display field 204 can be modified and changed. Specifically, the user selects a description of a programming language object fragment displayed in the graphic programming language object display field 204, selects an associated “property” option, and then the editing tool 100 Displays a properties dialog box that prompts the user to enter new parameter values for the selected programming language object fragment.

  The graphic programming language object display field 204 allows the user to further select items of a particular graphic programming language object, such as steps, transitions, actions or other programming language object fragments that make up the graphic programming language object. Become. When a depiction of a programming language object fragment is selected in the graphic programming language object display field 204, the editing tool 100 highlights the selected programming language object fragment and uses it in conjunction with it in the summary display field 208. Update the possible actions and update the parameter display field 210 with the available properties of the selected programming language object fragment.

  The GUI provides a user with a function of simultaneously selecting a plurality of programming language object fragments in the graphic programming language object display field 204 in addition to a function of individually selecting programming language object fragments. For example, a user can create a selection box on an item by dragging a GUI cursor over a depiction of a plurality of graphic programming language object items, or a group of selected programming language object fragments into a programming language object fragment You may add individual descriptions of the fragments. The editing tool 100 highlights the selected item in the graphic programming language object display field 204 and also highlights the selected programming language object fragment to select the selected programming language object in the summary display field 208. Update the available action of the fragment and update the parameter display field 210 with the properties combining the selected programming language object fragment.

  When programming language objects are selected individually or simultaneously, the editing tool 100 provides the user with the ability to delete, copy / paste, or modify the selected programming language object fragment (s). The operation of simultaneously copying / pasting a plurality of programming language object fragments is similar to the copy / paste operation described above. To delete the programming language object fragment (s) from the graphic programming language object, the user selects a programming language object fragment description from the graphic programming language object display field 204 provided in the above state. For example, the user selects the “delete” option by clicking the “delete” option provided by the GUI with the mouse or operating the keyboard. In response, the editing tool 100 deletes the depiction (s) of the selected programming language object fragment from the graphic programming language object display field 204 and summarizes the corresponding item (s) and the corresponding action. Delete from column 208.

  To modify and change the programming language object fragment (s) from the graphic programming language object, the user can depict the programming language object fragment (s) from the graphic programming language object display field 204 provided in the state described above. Select. When multiple programming language object fragments are selected, the editing tool 100 provides the user with the ability to simultaneously modify and change common properties common among the selected programming language object fragments. However, the editing tool 100 may prohibit the user from simultaneously modifying and changing properties that are not common among the selected programming language object fragments, such as the name of the programming language object fragment. In this case, the common property may be displayed in the summary display field 208, and the user may input or modify the parameter value in the summary display field 208. As an alternative or in addition, common properties may be displayed in the parameter display field 210 so that the user can input or modify values. The editing tool 100 updates the configuration file with new values for each selected programming language object fragment.

  The hierarchical display field 206 provides a tree diagram of the graphic programming language objects and lower logical blocks (eg, running, pending, embedded composite, etc.). The graphic programming language object may be depicted in the hierarchical display field 206 as a series of blocks representing a composite block or topological class. The editing tool 100 provides a user with a function of selecting a block in the hierarchy display field 206, and the editing tool 100 displays all of the available properties of the block in the parameter display field 210 and also displays a summary display field. 208 displays all of the steps and transitions associated with the block. An embedded synthetic block may be added from the hierarchy display field 206. For example, when the user selects a block such as a topological logic block or a synthesized block on the hierarchy display field 206, the editing tool 100 displays a list of available options including an “add” option that can be selected by the user. Displays the context menu that is The editing tool 100 displays a “custom block” dialog box, and the user may select the “embedded composite” option and enter a new name for the block. The editing tool 100 closes the dialog box and adds a new embedded block below the selected composite or topological logic block.

  The summary display field 208 provides different summary display fields, a step / transition summary display field 214, an action summary display field 216, and a failure status summary display field 218, each associated with a tab representing each display field. Step / transition summary display field 214 provides a complete list of steps and transitions configured for the graphic programming language object displayed in graphic programming language object display field 204. The editing tool 100 provides a user with a function of selecting a step or transition listed in the step / transition summary display field 214. Steps, transitions or other programming language object fragments individually or other programming language object fragments in the GUI including those selected from the step / transition summary display field 214 or the graphic programming language object display field 204 When selected simultaneously, the editing tool 100 clears the action summary display field 216 and provides the relevant properties in the parameter display field 210. However, at this time, the items in the defect status display column 218 are not displayed.

  Allows the user to drag a description of the programming language object fragment from the stencil display field 202 into the step / transition summary display field 214, or the user can select "Add Step / Transition" or equivalent Can be added to the step / transition summary display field 214 as new steps, transitions or other programming language object fragments. The editing tool 100 displays a “Properties” dialog box for the selected programming language object fragment in which the user can enter new values for the properties of the programming language object fragment. After that, the editing tool 100 adds the new programming language object fragment to the list in the step / transition summary display field 214 and draws the new programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field 204 (rectangular as a step, plus as a transition as a transition). Glyph, etc.). Also, steps, transitions and other programming language object fragments can be copied / pasted individually or simultaneously. In order to perform this copy / paste operation, first, an item is selected from the step / transition summary display field 214, and then the option of “Copy via GUI or keyboard” is selected, whereby the selected programming language object is selected. Paste the copied programming language object fragment (s) by copying the fragment (s) and further selecting the “Paste” option via the GUI or keyboard and The pasted programming language object fragment (s) may be displayed in a new paragraph in the step / transition summary display field 214 and in the graphic programming language object display field 204.

  By selecting an appropriate item from the list of programming language object fragments listed in the step / transition summary display field 214 and selecting the “Property” option, the programming language object fragment selected by the editing tool 100 is selected. By providing the user with the ability to display the “Properties” dialog box, the properties of the programming language object fragments listed in the step / transition summary display field 214 can be modified. Accordingly, the user can modify or input the parameter value of the available property, and then the editing tool 100 can update the input parameter value. As described above, it is also possible to select a plurality of programming language object fragments and simultaneously modify and change the properties common among the selected programming language object fragments.

  Further, the editing tool 100 selects the corresponding item from the list of programming language object fragments listed in the step / transition summary display field 214 and selects the “delete” option via the GUI or the keyboard. Deleting the properties of the programming language object fragment listed in the step / transition summary display column 214 by providing the user with the ability to delete the selected programming language object fragment from the step / transition summary display column 214 It becomes possible. As in the case of modifying and changing the property, as described above, a plurality of programming language object fragments may be selected from the step / transition summary display column 214 and deleted at the same time.

  The action summary display column 216 provides a list of all actions configured for the selected step. The user can select a description of the actions listed in the action summary display field 216 by the editing tool 100. When one action is selected individually or simultaneously with other actions from the action summary display field 216, the editing tool 100 focuses on the selected action and a parameter display field 210 storing the properties of the selected step. , Keeps the selection in the hierarchical display column highlighting the synthesis block or phase, maintains the focus of the selected step in the graphic programming language object display column 204, and the step / transition summary The focus of the step selected in the display column 214 is held. At this time, however, no item is displayed in the defect status display field 218.

  Actions can be added by the following operations. That is, when the user selects the depiction of the step item in the graphic programming language object display field 204 and further selects the action summary display field 216, the editing tool 100 can be used including the option of “add”. Displays a context menu that includes all possible choices. Thereafter, when the user selects the “add” option, the editing tool 100 displays a “property” dialog box for the selected action item. Further, when the user inputs a parameter value in the dialog box of the field available to the user, the editing tool 100 adds a new action to the action summary display field 216. Alternatively, the user may drag an action item from the stencil display column 202 to move the selected action item to the position of a specific step item in the graphic programming language object display column 204. Furthermore, it is possible to copy / paste actions individually or simultaneously. To perform this copy / paste, select the action item description from the action summary display field 216 and copy the selected action (s) by selecting the “Copy” option via the GUI or keyboard. After that, the paste action of the copied action is performed by selecting the “Paste” option via the GUI or the keyboard, and the editing tool 100 describes the description of the pasted action (s) as an action summary. It may be displayed in a new paragraph in the display field 216.

  Further, a step item is selected from the graphic programming language object display field 204 or the step / transition summary display field 214, a description of a specific action item is selected from the action summary display field 216, and a “property” option is selected. By providing the user with the function of displaying the “property” dialog box of the action item selected by the editing tool 100, the properties of the actions listed in the action summary display field 216 can be modified and changed. At this time, when the user modifies or inputs a property parameter value that can be used, the editing tool 100 updates the input value. As described above, it is also possible to select a plurality of actions and simultaneously modify and change properties common to the selected actions.

  Similarly, an action item is selected from the list in the action summary display field 216, an option of “delete” is selected via the GUI or the keyboard, and the action item selected from the action summary display field 216 by the editing tool 100 is selected. By providing the user with a function to be deleted, the actions listed in the action summary display field 216 can be deleted. As described above, a plurality of actions can be selected from the action summary display field 216 and deleted at the same time as in the case of modifying and changing the property.

  The fault status summary display field 218 provides a list of all fault status configured for the graphic programming language object. The user can select a failure state individually or simultaneously with other failure states by selecting a predetermined state from the failure state summary display field 218. The editing tool 100 focuses on the selected state and holds the selection in the hierarchical display column that highlights the fault monitor block. At this time, the contents of the parameter display column 210 are not displayed, and the items in the graphic programming language object display column 204 and the items in the step / transition summary display column 214 are not displayed.

  In addition, by providing the user with a context menu including available options including an “add” option, a failure state can be added. When the user selects the “add” option, the editing tool 100 displays a “property” dialog box for the status. When the user inputs a parameter value in an available field in the dialog box, the editing tool 100 adds a new state to the defect state summary display field 218. Similarly, for the defect status summary display field 218, a plurality of states can be copied, pasted, or deleted individually or simultaneously in the same manner as the step / transition item disclosed above. Similarly, state properties are modified and modified individually or simultaneously with other states in the same manner as for the step / transition items disclosed above.

  The parameter display field 210 provides a list of all properties configured for the graphic programming language object or its programming language object fragment, and the editing tool 100 allows the selected (or focused) graphic programming. Displays the properties of a language object or programming language object fragment. The editing tool 100 selects the property of the parameter display field 210 individually or simultaneously, and the property selected by inputting a new parameter value in the “property” dialog box displayed by the parameter display field 210 or the editing tool 100. Provide users with the ability to modify and change In addition, a blank column included in the parameter column of the parameter display column 210 is selected, a new property name is input, a property type is selected, and a function for inputting a parameter value for the property is provided to the user. New properties can be added. A function of selecting one or a plurality of properties in the parameter display column 210, selecting a “delete” option provided by the GUI or via the keyboard, and causing the editing tool 100 to delete the property from the parameter display column 210 The property can be deleted by providing it to the user. The editing tool 100 further allows the user to select one or more properties from the parameter display field 210 and select the “Copy” option provided for copying the selected properties via the GUI or via the keyboard. Then, by selecting the “Paste” option provided to add the copied property to the parameter display field 210 with a new property name defined by the user, the property is selected. Can be copied / pasted. The editing tool 100 can limit parameter values that can be modified by the user to specific ones by marking the property as non-editable or marking the property field as read-only.

  Using the editing tool 100 and GUI as described above, a user can easily create and configure a new graphic programming language object or import an existing graphic programming language object imported from a configuration database. Can be modified. As described above, editing a programming language object fragment may include overriding and overriding default values with data specific to a particular project. For example, when a user configures a process control entity's graphic programming language object in the physical layer of the process control system, such as a node, I / O card, device, etc., the user is in the process control entity's offline database 104. You can create a table of project specific data. Since the programming language object fragment is provided as a template containing default values, the editing tool 100 creates an instance of the programming language object fragment based on the database definition and targets the process control entity with the default value for the project specific. It can be overridden with the data of and disabled.

  By providing programming language object fragments as templates, programming language object fragments can use the same or different graphic programming language objects many times, and can be updated with different parameter values depending on project specifications. ing. Furthermore, by providing programming language object fragments as templates, multiple users, including users from various technical and design teams, can use the same programming language object fragments or modify them according to their specific project criteria. It becomes possible to change.

  In another embodiment, when the user configures a graphic programming language object of a process control entity in the logical layer of the process control system, the editing tool 100 uses a generic template / class of programming language object fragments that already exist. Default values can be overlaid with project data. However, sometimes it may be necessary to create templates / classes of end-user specific programming language object fragments. The logic from the programming language object fragment is the same, but the programming language object fragment is provided with different project-specific default values. Such end-user specific copies are created in the code library master 120 and imported into the offline database 104. The end user specific programming language object fragment is then used as a starting point in constructing a graphic programming language object for the end user's process control entity. Thus, the editing tool 100 is not only concerned with constructing a graphic programming language object using programming language object fragments, but also with setting a code library with end user specific default values.

  Individual users can not only use programming language object fragments contained in the code library, but can also create new programming language object fragments and add them to the library. In particular, programming language object fragments that have been modified and modified with new parameter values or by other property changes can also be used for graphic programming language objects of other process control entities. Furthermore, a group of programming language object fragments may be selected from the graphic programming language object display field 204 (which includes the graphic programming language object itself) and grouped to create a synthetic programming language object fragment. Synthetic programming language object fragments are stored in code library master 120 and delivered into workstation 130 for use in constructing graphic programming language objects for other process control entities. Synthetic programming language object fragments are saved as templates, with or without default values, or with values specific to the process control entity on which they were originally created.

  In addition, the editing tool 100 allows simultaneous editing of programming language object fragments including modification, deletion, etc. Many of the embodiments described above involve modifying a property that is common between multiple programming language object fragments, but it will be appreciated that the modifying change is other than a parameter value, ie, the selected programming language. Any property of the object fragment may be targeted.

  Configured or modified graphics programming language objects can be saved in the configuration file 110 stored in the offline database 104. In one embodiment, each change made to a graphic programming language object (such as a property change, the addition or deletion of any programming language object fragment, or any other editing function change) results in an update of the configuration file 110. Connected. Whenever a new graphic programming language object is newly created, the configuration file 110 may be created, or the offline database 104 may be imported after the configuration file 110 is imported from the configuration database. May be converted to the format used by

  Document management is an important element in any process control project, and end users related to process control are usually documents in a standardized format such as Microsoft Word (registered trademark) or Microsoft Visio (registered trademark). Therefore, it is important to create a report document based on the project standards of the end user side. Therefore, the offline database 104 stores the project data including the configuration file 110 in a format that can be easily read by standardization tools (for example, various applications included in package software such as Microsoft Office). Stored. Examples of such format formats include SQL and XML that can read and import data in various document format formats such as Word (registered trademark), PDF, HTML, and Visio (registered trademark).

  The reporting tool 102 can incorporate data from graphic programming language objects (stored in a configuration file) from the offline database 104. Since the offline database 104 may be provided as an SQL database, the data is stored in a format that can be easily read or understood by standard tools such as Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Visio®, and the reporting tool 102 Can map data fields in the format used by the offline database 104 (eg, XML fields, SQL table columns) to the data fields of the report document template. The reporting tool 102 can then populate the data field of the report document according to a map between the two format types. The report document is customizable and may be provided in any format defined by the end user. By using these common document and data management tools, the technical and design teams can use the data in the format of their choice without having to adapt to the rules and formats of each configuration and database. Project progress can be easily tracked and managed between these off-line databases and associated engineering and design teams.

  Of course, as a matter of course, when the data is imported from the configuration database to the offline database 104, the mapping function characteristic can be reversed. For example, new properties can be added or modified in the report document in a separate offline or configuration database. The new property or other data may be read, the data field may be mapped from the report document format to the offline database format, and the new property or other data may be entered into the offline database 104. The new data can be used to update or create programming language object fragments that can be particularly useful when updating properties of graphic programming language objects. Thus, as a matter of course, the composition and modification of graphic programming language objects can be achieved between various different technology / design teams, each of which can function independently, and between the technology / design team and the configuration database. . In this case, however, each offline database 104 must use only one type of graphic programming language object, such as an SFC object.

  The user is a tool for skillfully planning and executing other process control projects, such as computer-aided design (CAD) applications, which is different from the format of the offline database 104. Can also be used to generate project data. Therefore, the offline database 104 may be used as a centralized project database or data storage mechanism so that data other than graphic programming language object data can be integrated into the offline database 104. In particular, by using the transformation and mapping techniques described above, other tool data fields (such as data fields from the tool's data file) can be converted to offline database 104 data fields (SQL table data). It is possible to map data to a data field accordingly. A table may be added to the offline database 104 to add project data and the data may be used to construct a graphic programming language object, or it may be integrated into a configuration file into the configuration database You may export. Therefore, the user can use tools and applications other than the editing / reporting tool in a state where the data is completely integrated.

  In addition, the user can edit a graphic programming language object or programming language object fragment from the reporting tool 102. For example, a report document is generated from data in a graphic programming language object, which is used by the offline database 104 and is mapped between a formatted form data field and a report document template data field, By editing the data (eg, parameter value), the user edits the object from the reporting tool 102 and populates the data field of the offline database format (eg, SQL table) with the edited data. By doing so, the edited data can be returned to the offline database 104.

  In the foregoing, there have been described a number of different embodiments according to the invention, but it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is defined by the language of the claims recited in this patent. It is noted that any and all embodiments described herein are not realistic (if not impossible) and therefore the above detailed description of the present invention has been described only by way of representative examples. It should be construed as merely illustrative of all possible embodiments of the invention. By using either modern technology or technology developed after the filing of this patent application, it is possible to implement the embodiments within the scope of the claims defining the present invention in many other forms.

  The editing / reporting system and method (and other elements) have been described above as being preferably implemented in software, but can also be implemented in hardware, firmware, etc., and by any other processor. It can be implemented. Thus, the elements described herein may be implemented in a standard ordinary CPU, in specially designed hardware or firmware (such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), or in any other desired hardwired device. When implemented in software, the software routines can be stored in any computer-readable memory (eg, magnetic or laser disks or other storage media, computer or processor RAM or ROM, any database, etc.). Can be stored. Similarly, the software can be provided to the user or process factory via any known delivery method desired. Examples of the well-known delivery method include a delivery method using a computer-readable disk or other portable computer storage device mechanism, or a communication line such as a telephone line, the Internet, or wireless communication (however, this is acceptable). Are considered to have the same or similar meaning as providing the software via a portable storage medium).

  Accordingly, a wide variety of modifications and variations can be made by the techniques and structures described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, it should be understood that the methods and apparatus described herein are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention.

Claims (40)

In a method of editing a graphic programming language object to design a process control entity in an offline database,
The offline database includes one of a plurality of databases each communicatively coupled to a central configuration database;
The method includes:
And providing the ability to select one or more programming language object fragment to the user from a library of programming language object fragments, characterized in that indicating the structure of each programming language object fragments Gapu programming logic routines,
Displaying one or more selected programming language object fragments in a graphic programming language interface display screen;
Providing a user with the ability to construct a graphic programming language object for a process control entity from one or more selected programming language object fragments in a graphic programming language interface display screen;
Storing the configured graphic programming language object as a configuration file;
Formatting the graphic programming language object data in accordance with a first schema associated with the report document to form formatted graphic programming language object data;
Mapping the formatted graphic programming language object data to a second schema associated with the configuration database to form mapped graphic programming language object data;
Populating the data field of the report document with the mapped graphic programming language object data;
Sending the mapped graphic programming language object data to the configuration database;
A method comprising editing a graphic programming language object including: To select one or more programming language object fragments from a library of programming language object fragments,
Providing a user with a function to display a programming language object fragment as a template in a graphic programming language library display screen;
The method of claim 1, wherein: Displaying one or more selected programming language object fragments in a graphic programming language interface display screen includes:
Displaying the properties of one or more selected programming language object fragments;
In a method that includes:
Providing a user with the ability to construct a graphic programming language object for a process control entity from one or more selected programming language object fragments.
Providing a user with the ability to provide values for properties of one or more selected programming language object fragments;
Is included, and
Storing the configured graphical programming language object as a configuration file includes storing one or more selected programming language object fragments with provided values;
The method of claim 1, wherein: The properties of the one or more selected programming language object fragments include default values for the properties of the one or more selected programming language object fragments,
To provide the user with the ability to provide values for the properties of one or more selected programming language object fragments,
Modifying and changing default values of properties of one or more selected programming language object fragments;
4. The method of claim 3, wherein: Providing the user with the ability to construct a process control entity graphic programming language object from one or more selected programming language object fragments,
Providing the user with the ability to copy the selected programming language object fragment from within the graphic programming language interface display screen and add the copied programming language object fragment to the configuration file;
The method of claim 1, wherein: Providing a user with the ability to construct a graphic programming language object from one or more selected programming language object fragments,
Provides a user with the ability to establish a logical connection between the first one I / O of one or more selected programming language object fragments and the I / O of a second programming language object fragment And
The method of claim 1, wherein: Providing a user with the ability to construct a graphic programming language object from one or more selected programming language object fragments,
Providing a user with the ability to simultaneously select multiple programming language object fragments from a graphical programming language interface display screen;
Displaying properties that are shared among multiple selected programming language object fragments;
Providing a user with the ability to simultaneously modify and change properties shared by all of the selected programming language object fragments;
The method of claim 1, wherein: Providing a user with the ability to construct a graphic programming language object from one or more selected programming language object fragments,
Providing a user with the ability to select multiple programming language object fragments from a graphic programming language interface display screen;
Providing a user with the ability to delete selected programming language object fragments from a graphic programming language object;
The method of claim 1, wherein: Providing a user with the ability to construct a graphic programming language object from one or more selected programming language object fragments,
Providing the user with the ability to construct a graphic programming language object from a previously created graphic programming language object stored as a programming language object fragment in a library of programming language object fragments;
The method of claim 1, wherein: Storing the graphic programming language object as a new programming language object fragment in a library of programming language object fragments;
The method of claim 1 further comprising: Copying a programming language object fragment template that forms the basic structure of a programming language object fragment;
Providing the user with the ability to compose a copy of a programming language object fragment template;
Storing a copy of the configured programming language object template as a new programming language object fragment in a library of programming language object fragments;
The method of claim 1 further comprising: Providing a user with the ability to group multiple programming language object fragments into a composite programming language object fragment from a graphical programming language interface display screen;
Storing the synthetic programming language object fragments in a library of programming language object fragments;
The method of claim 1 further comprising: Sending graphic programming language objects to a central configuration database;
The method of claim 1 further comprising: A modification of the graphic programming language object is received from the configuration database, wherein the data of the modified graphics programming language object is formatted according to a second schema associated with the configuration database. And
Mapping the graphic programming language object data to a third schema associated with the offline database to form data for the second mapped graphic programming language object;
Providing the user with the ability to configure the modified graphic programming language object of the process control entity from the second mapped graphic programming language object data;
Mapping the set modified graphic programming language object data to a first schema associated with the configuration database;
Sending the mapped graphic programming language object data of the set modified graphic programming language object to the configuration database;
The method of claim 1 further comprising:   The method of claim 1, wherein the graphic programming language object comprises a functional object.   The method of claim 15, wherein the functional object comprises a sequential function chart object.   A library of programming language object fragments is defined by one or more of a process control entity action (individual behavior / action), a process control entity step, and a process control entity transition. The method of claim 1 including a list. In an editing / reporting system used when designing process control entities with graphic programming language objects,
A database for storing a plurality of programming language object fragments, characterized in that indicating the structure of each programming language object fragments Gapu programming logic routines,
Adopted to run on a processor to create a display screen stored in a computer readable memory to construct a graphic programming language object for a process control entity from one or more programming language object fragments A screen display application,
With
The display screen
A stencil display field having a plurality of graphics representing different programming language object fragments;
Graphic programming language object display field,
Including
The screen display application is included in the graphic programming language object and graphic graphics so that the user can select a depiction of different programming language object fragments from within the stencil display field and configure the graphic programming language object of the process control entity. A programming language object fragment can be designated to present a description of the programming language object fragment in the programming language object display field;
Editing and reporting system includes
Formatting graphic programming language object data according to a first schema to form formatted graphic programming stored in computer readable memory and forming formatted graphic programming language object data Map the language object data to the second schema associated with the report document, send the mapped graphic programming language object data to the configuration database, and place the mapped graphic programming language object data in the data field of the report document Includes a reporting application that is adapted to run on the processor for further submission,
Editing and reporting system.   19. The database of claim 18, wherein the database comprises a list of actions, steps and transitions and includes a programming language code library file used in constructing a graphic programming language object for a process control entity. Editing and reporting system. The screen display application further includes a parameter display field, and
The screen display application allows the user to select a different representation of the programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field and display the properties of the selected programming language object fragment display in the parameter field. The editing / reporting system according to claim 18, characterized in that:   19. The editing / reporting system according to claim 18, wherein the screen display application further includes a hierarchical display field including a graphic programming language object diagram composed of a plurality of logical blocks displayed in accordance with a logical relationship. The screen display application further includes a parameter display field, and
22. The editing / reporting system according to claim 21, wherein the screen display application allows the user to select a different one from the logical blocks in the hierarchical display column and display the properties of the selected logical block in the parameter display column. The screen display application further includes a summary display field that includes a list of all programming language object fragments configured for the particular graphic programming language object displayed in the graphic programming language object display field; and
19. The editing / reporting system according to claim 18, wherein the screen display application can configure the user's selection from programming language object fragments displayed in the summary display field.   The summary display field includes a step / transition tab configured to be used to display the steps and transitions configured for the graphic programming language object displayed in the graphic programming language object display field. The editing / reporting system according to claim 23.   25. The edit of claim 24, wherein the summary display field includes an action tab configured to be used to display an action configured for the step selected from the step / transition tab. -Reporting system.   The summary display field includes a defect tab configured to be used to display a defect state associated with the graphic programming language object displayed in the graphic programming language object display field. 23. Editing and reporting system according to 23.   19. The editing / reporting system according to claim 18, wherein the screen display application is further configured by the screen display application so that the user can modify and change the properties of the selected programming language object fragment. .   The screen display application further allows the user to select a representation of the plurality of programming language object fragments from the graphic programming language object display field, and between the programming language object fragments associated with the selected representation of the plurality of programming language object fragments. 19. The editing / reporting system according to claim 18, wherein the screen display application is configured so that common properties can be simultaneously modified and changed.   The screen display application further allows the user to select a depiction of multiple programming language object fragments from the graphic programming language object display field and simultaneously display programming language object fragments associated with the representation of the selected multiple programming language object fragments. 19. The editing / reporting system according to claim 18, wherein the screen display application is configured so that it can be deleted.   The screen display application further allows the user to establish a logical connection between the I / O of the first programming language object fragment and the I / O of the second programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field. 19. The editing / reporting system according to claim 18, wherein the screen display application is configured as described above. The screen display application further allows the user to store one or more programming language object fragments to be displayed as a composite programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field; and
19. The editing / reporting system according to claim 18, wherein the screen display application is configured to display the synthetic programming language object fragment as the programming language object fragment in the stencil display field. And storing each multiple programming language object fragment showing the structure of Gapu programming logic routine in the database,
Displaying a stencil display field containing a depiction of multiple programming language object fragments of multiple programming language object fragments;
Displaying a graphic programming language object display field associated with the graphic programming language object to be constructed;
Providing a user with a function to select one to be included in a graphic programming language object from a depiction of a plurality of programming language object fragments displayed in a stencil display field;
Presenting the programming language object fragment associated with the depiction of the selected programming language object fragment in the graphic programming language object display field;
Providing a user with the ability to construct a graphic programming language object using the selected programming language object fragment;
Storing the configured graphic programming language objects in an offline database;
Formatting the graphic programming language object data with a schema associated with the offline database to form formatted graphic programming language object data;
Mapping the formatted graphic programming language object data to a schema associated with the reporting document different from the offline database format to form mapped graphic programming language object data;
Populating the data field of the report document with the mapped graphic programming language object data;
Providing users with the ability to edit graphic programming language object data from report documents;
Populating the offline database data field with the edited graphic programming language object data;
Populating the offline database with the edited graphic programming language object data;
A method for editing and reporting a graphic programming language object used in designing a process control entity, including: Displaying a parameter display field associated with the properties of the selected programming language object fragment;
Providing the user with the ability to modify and change one or more of the properties displayed in the parameter display field;
The method of claim 32, further comprising: Further comprising displaying a hierarchical display field associated with the graphic programming language object; and
A graphic programming language object is presented in the graphic programming language object display field according to the first format, and a graphic programming language object is presented in the hierarchical display field according to the second format.
35. The method of claim 32.   35. The method of claim 34, wherein the second format includes a plurality of logical blocks that can be displayed according to a logical relationship. The graphic programming language object includes a plurality of programming language object fragments; and
To provide users with the ability to construct graphic programming language objects,
Providing a user with the ability to simultaneously modify and change properties common to a plurality of selected programming language object fragments after selecting a plurality of programming language object fragments in a graphic programming language object display field;
35. The method of claim 32, wherein: The graphic programming language object includes a plurality of programming language object fragments; and
To provide users with the ability to construct graphic programming language objects,
Providing a user with a function of selecting a plurality of programming language object fragments in the graphic programming language object display field and simultaneously deleting the selected plurality of programming language object fragments;
35. The method of claim 32, wherein: Select multiple programming language object fragments in the graphic programming language object display field, store the selected multiple programming language object fragments as a synthetic programming language object fragment, and place the synthetic programming language object fragment in the stencil display field. Providing the user with the ability to display,
The method of claim 32, further comprising: Formatting the graphics programming language object data includes formatting the graphics programming language object data with a markup language schema to form formatted graphics programming language object data;
The method of claim 32, further comprising transmitting the populated report document to a configuration database. To store the constructed graphic programming language object:
Storing the constructed graphic programming language object in an offline database;
In a method that includes:
Receiving project control entity project data generated by the process control entity project tool in an offline database and in a format different from the format used by the offline database;
Map the process control entity project data from the schema associated with the process control entity project tool format to the schema associated with the offline database format to form the mapped process control entity project data When,
Populating offline database data fields with mapped process control entity project data;
Integrating populated process control entity project data with configured graphic programming language objects into a configuration file;
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: